Soft-Tissue Sarcomas in Adults in Ecuador in the Period 2010-2020

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Soft-tissue sarcomas (STSs) are uncommon adult malignancies, accounting for approximately 1% of all tumors.
• Surgical intervention remains the primary treatment modality for STSs.
• Advancements in diagnostic techniques aid in differentiating various STS subtypes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the morbidity and mortality trends of soft-tissue sarcomas in Ecuador.
• To provide an epidemiological overview of STS cases and deaths between 2010 and 2020.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study design was employed.
• National databases were utilized to gather data on adult STS patients.
• The study period spanned from 2010 to 2020.

Main Results:

• A total of 8,393 hospitalizations due to STS were recorded.
• Ecuador experienced 7,088 deaths attributed to STS over the decade.
• Pichincha and Guayas provinces reported the highest incidence of STS cases, with a mortality rate ranging from 1.2 to 2.0 per 100,000 people.

Conclusions:

• Soft-tissue sarcomas represent a rare oncological challenge in Ecuador.
• Morbidity and mortality rates for STSs have remained consistent over the last ten years.
• National epidemiological studies are essential to ascertain the true prevalence of STS and to develop targeted interventions aimed at reducing mortality.